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THE 



HAE.TBST PBSTITAL. 



WITH OTHER 

BY F.'S. Hj^ 



Paulus Some Songs too J 

Licippus Some Songs — but very short ones. 

Paulus I'll introduce a Grace too, 

And in a robe of blue. — Licippus, say, 

What think you of a Sea-nyraph, and a heaven >. 

Licippus....Why what should she do there, man 
There's no water. 

Paulus By th' mass, that's true; — and yet 

Met/links a rainbow {musing.) 



BOSTON: 

PUBLISHED BY TRUE A^^D GREENE. 



1826. 




^vrface. 



I INTENDED to havG made a pretty apology for the 
publication of this volume, by saying that not trust- 
ing to the judgment I had passed upon my own ta- 
lents, capacity, &c. I had ventured upon this method 
of ascertaining what opinion others entertained of 
ray productions ; and what encouragement would 
probably be shown to my future effusions. But I 
.:as prevented from thus committing myself, by 
^fleeting, in the first place, that the work itself 
/ould rise up in judgment against me, and that its 
Liblication would certainly imply a small portion of 
3nfidence in my own powers. Secondly, I came to 
.e conclusion, that it was overweening vanity in me 
«« expect the public to interest themselves enough 
,|)out a few desultory sketches, to care whether or 
ii>t the author of them again appeared in print. 
i j.r, much as I should like to hear myself spoken of . 



as having" given a very clever little collection to the 
vi'orld, I thought it would be not far short of pre- 
sumption, for me to send out an avant-courier to an- 
nounce the coming of something more important. 
Thirdly, by imagining the worst to have taken place, 
I found the chances were ten to one, that if the fol- 
lowing poems were altogether condemned, {Dii talent 
avertite pestem !) I should, with the utmost obstinacy 
of disappointment, instantly set about convincing the 
critics,* of their inability to distinguish trash from 
poetry. 

As for the genuine motives that influenced me to 
commit my manuscript to the printer's hands, they 
were, undoubtedly, those which sway the mind of 
every one who publishes for the first time : — a fever 
to see what are always deemed the out-pourings of 
inspiration, going into the world in fair print, with a 
clear type, and a goodly width of marg-in ; a fever 
which is generally most wonderfully cooled by the 
febrifuge of salutary criticism. 

F. S. H. 

Boston, July, 1826. 



* Those flies, fto use an unsavoury similie I have somewhere met 
with) who seek all over the fairest body for a sore, and who, if they 
<id.nnot find one, make it. 



THE 



KARTBST PESTITAL. 



WITH OTHER 



^(S)ll|g 



THE HARVEST FESTIVAL. 

he harvest had been gathered in ; — the suii 

i^ k to his evening couch, and left the sky 

C r as a burnish'd mirror, save the verge 

I met and blended with the western sea ; — 

A ihere, were folds on folds of brilliant clouds, 

V\ Dse shades of crimson and of gold glow'd like 

r gorgeous drapery that decks the shrine 

0. ^^ Peruvian temple. And the groves 

^'V . 'd their variegated foliage in the breeze, 

[J:Y a- proud band of knights, each lifting high 

n silken banner that displays his crest 

A.- his armorial ensigns, gaily wrought 

By and of lady fair. 
1 '' 



Around the hearth 
There sat the culturer and his hardy sons, 
Whose cheeks glow'd with the bloom that healthful 

toil 
Alone can give — and many a sun-burnt youth 
And bright-eyed damsel, for it was an eve 
Dear to the rustics for its festive rites. 
But there was one among the joyous band 
Unlike the rest ; — his countenance bespoke 
A troubled mind, — his untrimm'd raven locks, 
Forgetfulness of ceremonial forms. 
Absorb'd in his own thoughts he sat, and scann'd 
The torches' flickering blaze, as if events 
Of former, happier days were lighted up 
By the strong radiance. An unnatural gleam 
Went sometimes from his clear blue eye, and then 
Melted again into that summer light 
Which emanates from hearts all joy and life. 
Ye ask what envious cloud could overcast a brow, 
A manly brow, like Bertram's. Ye shall hear 
The simple story from young Bertram's lips. 

The happy group beneath old Albert's roof 
Turn'd an attentive ear as thus he spoke : — 

Alb. My youthful friends, it would but ill become 



3 ^ 

Me, over whose grey head so many years 
Have pass'd — or ye, whose days of Spring as ^ 
Have brought forth nought but incense-breal 

flowers, 
To give indulgence to our gladden'd hearts 
On such an eve as this, until we look 
To Him above. Together we will join 
To sing our newly-written hymn. Bertram, 
My boy — touch thy pipe lightly as thou canst. 

HYMN. 

I. 

With reverence and with filial love, 

Our Father, we bow down to thee, 
And offer to thy throne above, 

Our warmest gratitude — the free, 
Spontaneous tribute that we owe, 
And that we give with heartfelt glow. 
To Thee, from whom our blessings flow. 

II. 

The earth her choicest fruitage yields, 
The fount its chrystal stream distils, 

And sweeping o'er the ripen'd fields, 
Our frames the breeze with vigour fills, 



^ 



.ly hand it is these bounties flings, 
^jj?hy word at which the fountain springs, 
^ Thy breath that health and gladness brings. 

III. 

And though of old, on sacred days, 

Thy splendid temples loudly rung 
With solemn anthems to thy praise, 

By sceptred Kings and great ones sung. 
Yet to the lowly thou art near, 
And thou wilt turn a listening ear 
Our humble strains of joy to hear. 

Alb. Now let your sports proceed. 

Emma. Good Sir, you'll stay 

To see our dance ? 

Alb. Indeed I will. I love 

To see the innocent mirth of youth, for then 
I think of days when I was wont myself 
To mingle in such pastime. But look out, — 
Who is't that Edgar leads with him ? 

Edgar. Albert, 

It is a weary traveller I have ask'd 
To come and rest him 'noath your roof, and tasto 
Your cheer. 



5 

Alb, A traveller ? He is welcome then, 

Come — he shall join our cheerful group. 

Stranger. Accept, 

Kind Sir, a soldier's thanks. Thou wilt not look 
For studied speech from one whose days and nights 
Have long been spent in martial fields, or on 
The ocean's waste. 

Bertram. A soldier ! thou wilt then 

Tell us some tale of battle — and of strife, 
Such as may stir the sluggish blood that creeps 
Through veins that never throbb'd at the loud roar 
Of cannon — or the thrilling bugle's notes. 
Come — gather round. Delay the dance. Our ears 
Shall drink the music of a warrior's tale. 

Strang. Now by my soul ! the flush upon thy cheek 
Is like the soldier's, when he hastes to run 
His proud career — Young man hast thou ne'er seen 
Afield of battle? 

Bert. Never — but I love 
To hear themtalk'd of— then I can forget 
The load that weighs so heavy on my heart. 
See, soldier — see, — our bright-eyed maidens too 
Are waiting for thy tale. Wilt thou go on ? 

Em. Bertram, thou dost forget the soldier needs 
Refreshment first* 



6 

Alh, Thou crazy boy ! Bid tlio.ii 

The pipers tune up quickly. Let the dance 
Go on. What ! is the boy bewitch'd at once ! 
Delay the dance, indeed ! An hour ago, 
Thy brain was full of love-sick phantasies. 

Bert. Nay, father — but — 

Mb. Hast thou no gallantry ? 

Thy friends have all, their partners for the dance, 
\And thou hast left the maidens there, to talk 
About, thou know'st not what. 

Bert. Nay, father, nay — 

Do not be angry — for in truth I wish'd 
To hear a soldier talk. 

Alb. There 'tis again! 

Why at thy age dost think I would have left 
A score of damsels and a dance, * to hear 
A soldier talk ?' — there — hear'st thou not that strain 
At which the merry dance begins ? 

Bert. Father, 

I go. 

{A dance of the villagers.) 

Strang. That son of thine, old man, 

Seems strangely sorrowful, at times, for one 
So young. — 

Alb. True, stranger. In that jocund group, he 
moves 



Like one who dreameth of another sphere. 

Strang, Look, look, he smiles at last. 

Mb. And yet I think 

His heart doth bleed, though his lips wear a smile. 

Strang, What ! hath affliction's blight touch'd his 
young heart ? 

Mb. Aye — and it never more will bloom — ask not 
The cause of me — I do not love to touch 
The chords of sorrow's harp — unless to soothe 
A sufferer. — His tale is one of love — 
Nay, smile not, stranger, — I am old, and thou 
Canst see that 'twere not easy me to move 
With puling tales of school-boy's love, or songs 
Made up of sighs and lamentations loud ; 
Yet I do swear, that I have sometimes dropp'd 
A tear, when I have thought what my boy tvas, 
And look'd at what he is. But pshaw ! this time 
Is not for sad remembrances. Stranger, 
Thou eatest sparingly. 

Strang. O, I have learn'd 

To live on little, and to tell thee true, 
I love so well to gaze on youthful sports 
And list to music's strains, that I forget 
The calls of appetite* 



8 

•ilb. Yes, it is true 

There's pleasure, sometimes, in beholding joy. 
Though in it we cannot participate. 
Stranger, the dancers there but little think 
How soon the envious hours will steal along, 
When they, grey-headed sires, and matrons grave, 
Shall sit beside the fire, and look upon 
A younger generation at their sports. 

Strang. And is't not well they do not ? Would ye 
have 
The cup of pure delight that's quafF'd in youth, 
Embitter'd by the thought, that they one Jay 
Must drink of sorrow's draught ? 

Alb. No, I would wish 

That they in drinking from that bowl, 
More sparkling than the fabled nectar, pour'A 
By Ganymede's hand, should caution use. 
Nor taste too deeply — so its cheering power 
Shall still enliven wintry age's hours. 
Shall still exhilarate the mind, when o'er 
The faculties, time's frosty veil is spread. 
[The dance is concluded.] 

Strang. That was a merry bout, young friend*. 

Edg. Indeed 

I think it was. But Emma, look— I pray, 



What is't that ails your cousin Beatrice' cheek ? 

Em. Where were your eyes ? Did you not see — 

Beatrice. Hush, hush, 

I do beseech you, Emma. 

Em. Nay, coz, nay. 

'Twas slyly done — Edgar, dost thou not know 
How quick a kiss — nay girl, be still — 
How quickly a smart kiss can chase the blood 
From red lips to the eye-brows ? Beatrice ! nay 
Gentle coz, dost thou still blush? 

Edg. Francisco ! 

Here, thou deserter — come and try thy skill 
In cooling red-hot blushes. Wilt thou not ? 
Nay then, I'U try myself — hem ! she is gone- 
Flown from the fowler's net. 

Fran. Edgar ! come here, 

Thou clumsy fowler. Spread thy nets again. 
Be thou but wary, and the bird is thine. 

[^Catching Beatrice, and kissing her.] 

Beat. Now do not mock me more. If your desire 
Prompts you to kissing feats, there's Emma — she, 
I know, will not object. 

Em, Not I— but then 

You shall come humbly, and to him who best 

Shall suit my humour in a speech made up 
2 



10 

Gf wholesome flattery, gilded well — to him 
I will capitulate. 

Edg. Bright goddess — 

Em. Tush 

Edgar, stand thou aside — that is too coarse. 
Thou art not fit to be a lover. What ! 
Call me a goddess, when so many scores 
Are gazing at us ! I shall surely blush — 
Remember, woman must be deified 
In private, for the spell that lifts her up 
Above this earthly sphere, breaks and dissolves 
When all eyes are upon her, and again 
She sinks to the mere mortal. Get thee gone, 
Thou hast thy lump of sugar. 

Who comes next ? 

Carlos. A pilgrim bending low before thy shrine 
Who, when he meets thy hazel eye, that — 

Em. What ! 

Call my eyes hazel ? Could your gallantry 
Suggest no better hue ? Did'st ever see 
A grey-eyed goddess — why thou might'st as well 
Talk of a red-nosed cherub. Hazel eyes ! 
Call my eyes hazel ! they're — hem ! are they not 
Bertram ? 

Bertt Hazel ? 



11 

Em. No, blue. 

Bert. Thou say'st so, coz — 

Em. There, Carlos, hear'st thou ? 
Car. What? 

Em. My eyes are blue. 

Car. Then I must go ? 
Em. Be sure you must, and learn, 

More courtesy before you greet again 
An earthly idol. — Well — dull clods ! ye see 
I wait for your approach. — Do ye not stir ? 
Now by the matchless power I have assum'd, 
It shall fare ill with ye — What ! Bertram here 1 
Come, bend your iron sinews and go on. 
Bert. It is not in the — 
Em. Kneel — I command you. 

Bert. [Kneeling.] 

It is not in the lustrous eye, 
Though brighter never beam'd on earth, 

Not in the forehead arching high, 
Nor in soft lips, that oft give birth 
To love's sweet accents — that I see 
The charm that binds my heart to thee. 

It is not in the curls that flow 
Around thy alabaster neck, 



12 

Nor in the tints, that sometimes glow 

With kindling warmth thy cheek to deck : 
But more attractive charms I find, 
Whose influence radiates from thy mind. 
Em. [Aside to Beat] He's touch'd the chord that 
wins a maiden's heart, 
For poetry is Love's own language. Coz, 
Observe how a slight scratch will gall him — 

[To Bert] Sir, 

'Tis very sweet, but I have heard enough — 
Indeed more than I well can comprehend. 
No matter for the rest ; believe me Sir, 
I've heard enough. 

Bert. Come soldier she has play'd 

Her game of nonsense — we will listen now 
To thee. 
Beat [Aside to Em.] See how he bites his lip. 
Em. Yes, 

And snaps his eye-lids, as they were a pair 
Of nut crackers. 
Beat. Hush, hush — the tale begins. 

Stranf^. It was a summer night, and stretch'd 
Upon the cool green grass I lay, and dream'd 
Of one, for whose sake then. I thousfht life v/orth 
The ceaseless care and toil with which I strove. 



13 

While passing through my humble path. You look, 

Young friends, upon my furrow'd brow, and cheek, 

As if ye wish'd to ask, could love ere light 

These faded eyes ? Yes, it is true — but she 

Of whom I dream'd, was one that an old man 

Loves till the latest throb of being heaves 

His breast — a daughter. — She was beautiful, 

And clung to her old father for support. 

As the frail vine entwines itself around 

Some sturdy tree that long has borne the storm, 

And still is able to resist its force. 

And she was dearer to me, for my wife 

Had long been gather'd to the sepulchre. 

I dream'd my daughter came, and said 

That God had heard her prayer, and that my grave 

Should not be on the bloody field of war. 

But that my last, last resting place, should be 

Beside her mother. 

Then the vision fled, 

And the loud cry ' to arms !' — burst on my ear. 

One moment, and I felt my noble steed — 

His broad chest heaving to the warlike noise — 

Straining upon the rein. The sabres rung, 

The bugles sounded, and th' impatient hoof 

Shook the wide plain. Onward we dash'd, until 
2 ^ 



14 

The distant gleam of helmets and of spears, 

Was like the rippling of a moonlight lake. 

Firmly the foemen sat — and the first shock 

Of our attack, was sudden as the burst 

Of thunder from a clear blue sky. At length 

The foe retreated, and we followed on, 

Fierce as the famish'd vulture, when afar 

She snuffs her prey. They reach'd a little grove, 

And thence a troop of horsemen sallied out, — 

A score or so. The forces of each side 

Were even then — and there we might have had 

A glorious combat, — such as soldiers love — 

Where horse meets horse — and ringing blades are 

heard, 
And sparks leap forth from clashing armour, like 
Swift shooting meteors from the firmament, 
But they — our band — O God ! — that soldiers — men 
Should see above them in the sky a host 
Of stars that shine as if they look'd below 
Upon a gallant tournament — O God ! 
That they should hear the banners in the air, 
Rending at every onset, and the notes 
That swell out proudly from the bugle's throat, 
Like a young poet's breathing, when he dreams 
Of some unearthly mystery — that they 



15 

ShouiJ see and hear all this, and/ee — they fled, 
And when I saw them go, I broke my blade 
And yielded. But my proud young steed went free, 
And bounded to the forest. 

On we went, 
Till morning dawn'd — when suddenly, a rush, 
Terrific as an Alpine whirlwind, came — 
I was a prisoner no more ; — A youth, 
A beardless youth, with thirty spears, had swept, 
As if by magic, or a tempest's breath — 
Had swept the hundred foemen from the face 
Of the broad plain. Then, when I bowed my head 
Before the chief — a voice sank to my heart ; 
Its notes went o'er my ear, like the sweet tones 
Of an iEolian harp — I dar'd not lift 
My eyes — the dream — the dream — th' enchantment 

pass'd 
And there my daughter stood. 

Alb. Thy daughter } 

Strang. Yea, 

Was't not strange ? 

Mb. Indeed it was most strange — but — 

Most strange indeed — 

Bert. Soldier how came she there ? 

Did she go forth with thee, when thou did'st leave 



16 

Thy home and country for the battle field ? 

Strang. I do not often talk of this — and thou 
I know, wilt press no farther, when thou heai'st 
That the wild promptings of a brain diseas'd 
Impell'd her to put on the soldier's garb, 
And seek out me, her father, in disguise. 

Em. Poor girl ! and what became of her ? does she 
Still live ? 

Strang. Yes — and her mind — but Bertram, now 
I ask you, in return for my poor tale, 
To tell us why deep melancholy sits 
So firmly on your brow, 

Em. And, if you please. 

We'll hear you tell your story in the strain 
Of some soft measure, like the form you us'd 
Just now — ' It is not love, thy fairy form.' 

Bert. Well, cousin Emma, you shall hear my tale. 
And then laugh at me if you will. 
It shall be brief. I will not say how much 
I lov'd the object that my eager heart 
Clung to — nor tell you of her charms — enough 
That I did love her ; — that hope whisper'd oft 
Her fondest tale of bliss, and that my breast 
Glow'd with the thought, that when I should return 
To my own home, it would be with the pride 



17 

Of one who brings a youthful bride, to ask 

With him a father's blessing. Rambling at eve, 

With Mary o'er the moon-lit glade, with tears 

She told me of her father's stern decree, 

That she must wed the man by whom he sent 

From a far-distant land his harsh command. 

We parted, and next morn a youth met me. 

And bade me — as my face was delicate, 

Put on a kirtle, and go out to sing 

New songs and ballads. My proud blood rose high- 

But I submitted to the insult : — Yea, 

I bore it, for on him the father's choice, — 

The father of my Mary, — had conferr'd 

The privilege to woo and wed her. Still 

I endur'd his taunts, until at length 

He smote me on the cheek, and call'd me coward, 

I struck him to the heart, and then like Cain 

I sought for refuge ; but before I fled, 

I stood with Mary on a craggy cliff". 

That jutted from the cave where I had hid. 

Our parting words were few, and when I press'd 

Her thobbing bosom to my own, — to take 

A last farewell embrace — God ! do I live 

To tell the tale — fiercely there came a bolt 

From the dark cloud above us, a red bolt 



18 

And fell'd us both together to the earth, 

This was at evening, and when I awoke, 

The sun look'd from the zenith's point. Despair 

Press'd heavy on my brain — a clod of earth 

Seem'd weighing down my heart. She whom I 

lov'd 
Was gone. Yet 'ere she left me, she had cull'd 
Fresh wild-flow'rs from the neighbouring woods and 

strew'd 
My body with them, thinking I was dead. 
And then abroad, a tale of a young maid 
With golden tresses and bewilder'd eye. 
Was whisper'd round among the villagers. 
I rav'd and utter'd horrid blasphemies. 
As if to pour out from my lips, the gall^ — 
The bitterness with which my soul was fill'd, 
Was't strange ! — could Heaven no other vengeance 

take 
For my rash act ? — ^was't not enough that he — 
He whom I stabb'd, came forth each night, and 

bar'd 
His bloody bosom — and display'd the gash 
Just fest'ring o'er with rank corruption — 

Edg. Hold ! 

Bertram, look to the stranger there — 



19 

Mb. He faints ! 

Strang. No, no — Pm better now — ^let me have 
air — 
How long ago was this, young man ? 

Bert. 'Tis now 

About two years. 

Strang. The same — the same — Bertram, 
Thy Mary — is— m^/ daughter. 



20 



A SKETCH. 

By this time, night drawing on, and our commander perceiving on 
which side of the swamp the Indians were lodged, gave orders to cut 
through the swamp with their swords, that they might tlie better 
hem them in. In the morning great slaughter was made among our 
party, but at length we made head with a great larum of kettle- 
drums and other instruments, and finally, after cutting off nearly the 
whole tribe, and burning one hundred and fifty wigwams, we re- 
tired. — JVarrative of the Indian wars. 



That dark hair'd warrior — he with piercing eye^ 

Pale quivering lip, and forehead lifted high, 

Had breath'd the Indian spirit — he had lav'd 

His limbs in white men's blood, when banners wavMj 

And trumpets sounded, and a foreign band, 

Had like a torrent swept the Indian's land. 

But now — the tribe was wasted, and his soul 
Burn'd for revenge, and there was no controul 
To the proud stream that through his bosom flow'd, 
Nor to the spirit in his eye that glow'd ; 



21 

A fire was in his heart, and fiercely burn'd 

Whene'er to view the landscape round, he turnM. 

His father's bones lie 'neath yon swelling mound — 

The deer, unharm'd, now lightly o'er them bound ; 

In the vast forest that he leaves behind. 

The ashes of his village fill the wind. 

Seest thou yon precipice, whose brow is bare, 

Its parapets projecting roughly ? — there 

He gazes steadfastly — a ghastly smile 

Plays on his trembling lip, while round that pile 

His thoughts are wildly hovering, and well 

What passes in his bosom ye can tell. 

Too strong is the resemblance he can see, 

Between the remnants of his ancestry, 

And those tall crags, that, bleak and desolate 

Seem frowning still, beneath the power of fate. 

That mountain-height rose proudly once, its brow 

fVas hung with curling vines — look'd not as now, 

Toward the skies, as if it dar'd once more, 

The vengeance that had smitten it before. 

That height ivas green, and once was gaily crown'd 

With noble oaks whose branches spread around, 

Bending their heads beyond the mountain's side, 

As if to gaze upon the glassy tide, 



22 

And see the twilight shadows come and go 
In the broad firmament that lay below. 
But the red lightning from the stormy heaven 
Came hotly forth — the giant trunks were riven 
The waving tresses that like streamers hung 
Around the precipice, and fondly clung 
To every rock, blasted and rustling lay, 
Till a new tempest hurried them away. 



23 



! LOVE SOMETIMES TO TUNE MY SIMPLE LUTE. 

Poetry is to me no longer a madness ; it is only a rich and beautifnl 
lialo, with which when I please I can invest what I will ; and strait- 
way for my own entertainment, hear music, and smell incense, and 
feel the touch of soft lips awhile all about me ; — having all my senses 
illuminated, hallowed and purified with vision, and lustre, and 
odour— without sensuality. — JVedl. 



I love sometimes to tune my simple lute, 
And, as an echo to its softer strains, 
Give utterance to the thoughts that often rush. 
Like an o'erflowing current through my soul. 
What though my name, unknown amid the host 
Of those who crowd around Apollo's shrine, 
Shine not emblazon'd on the rolls of Fame ? 
What though my wandering feet have never trod 
The flowery Parnassus, — nor my lips 
Imbib'd poetic inspiration, from 
The pure Castalian spring ? — still in the hour 
When clouds of disappointment lour around, 



24 

And veil the scenes of beauty sketch'd by hope 
In all her rainbow hues, the chord I touch, 
May waken memory from her trance, and soothe 
The throbbing of my heart. Sweet Poesy ! 
Thy full outpourings can assuage the breast 
That heaves in tumult. O, if thou appear, — 
Thy loosen'd tresses floating wide, thine eye 
Beaming with an unearthly brightness, then 
The rapt enthusiast in his ecstacy, 
Forgets the chilling atmosphere of earth, 
The selfish heartlessness of those around, 
And thinks he wanders in thy sun-light sphere. 
Holding " high converse" with thy chosen ones. 
Up from the barren heath on which he treads, 
The bloom of the primeval Eden springs ; 
Transparent waters meet him in his path, 
And figures leap out even from the air, 
Cloth'd in light drapery, and beautiful 
As Houris in the Moslem Paradise. 

Seek'st thou the spirit who with magic wand 

Can work these wonders ? Come then, let us stand 

Here, on the precipice that overhangs 

That everlasting deep. O God ! it is 

A sight too solemn to look out upon. 



25 

Unless with reverence for thy majesty, 

And for thy greatness, awe. See how the waves 

Come surging onward — heaving, heaving on, 

As if a consciousness of their own might 

Gave a new impulse to them. See ! they strike 

The battlements fix'd by Jehovah's hand. 

And the tremendous roar tells their defeat. 

Look ! look again — a coronal of foam 

White as a snow-wreath, now surmounts the wave 

And sparkles in the sun — and now — 'tis gone ! 

But night comes on : let us begone — we'll climb 

Yon mountain, though it be a toilsome task. 

Let no unhallow'd word pass from thy lips, 

Nor impure thought dwell in thy heart — for now 

We leave the earth and all its vanities 

Below — and come up to a place, that seems 

The threshold of th' Eternal's presence. Hush ! 

Here in this region Silence sits supreme, 

And now she slumbers 'neath the canopy 

That darkness spreads around. The sense ig pain'd 

By the intensity of stillness, for 

Even the breeze, although its dewy wing 

Bring freshness with its stirring, in its flight 

Is noiseless as the eagle, when he wheels 



26 

Alone and undisturbed in the mid air. 

The sky above looks dark and fathomless, 

Like the great ocean in a troubled dream, 

The stars burn with strange splendour, yet their rays 

Diffuse no light around, but rather seem 

Like orbs that separate the realm of light 

From chaos. 'Tis a fearful spot — like that 

Which David dreamt of, when he spoke of Him, 

Who maketh darkness his abiding place. 

Still shall we on ? — Aye, even to yon crags. 
How fearfully Earth's bosom quakes ! It heaves 
With tremulous throbbing, and sends forth deep 

tones. 
Like thunder from a necromantic cave, 
Or nature's groans of agony. Gaze now 
At yonder mighty burst of waters — see — 
The gigantic rocks, that look as firm 
As adamantine pillars, based below 
The centre dark — have yielded^ and retir'd 
To make free course for the fierce torrent's plunge, 
As did the waves for Israel's fugitives, 
When the Red Sea was smitten by the rod 
That had been given to Israel's chosen judge. 
The white mist rises from the cataract 



27 

In rolling" cJouds, like the unceasing smoke 

Of incense going to the throne of God, 

And o'er the silvery sheet a rainbow spreads ; — 

A brilliant halo round the awful brow 

Of majesty. 

Now we will seek the glen 
That blossoms in rich beauty, like the fields 
Of classic Tempe, in their loveliness. 
It is a place meet for the home of those 
Who leave the busy world — and in the pure, — 
The blest communion of each other's hearts, 
Live in their hallow'd intercourse with Him 
Who giveth them the boon of sweet content. 
Of old, such haunts as this, the wood-nymphs sought, 
And when the burning noon look'd hotly down, 
Met with the Naiads of the neighb'ring streams ; 
These blew their wreathed shells, — the others join'd, 
With delicate trumpets made of hollow flowers, 
And fragrance mingled with the blending notes. 

Here oft I sit when Eve with silent pace 
Steals on — when only here and there a star 
Emits a doubtful ray, as though it were 
Some gentle spirit coming forth to see 
This earth by summer twilight — then I love 



28 

To listen to the music issuing out 

In untaught freedom from each gushing fount, 

And to the melody among the leaves 

Of the green woods. For Fancy then can deem 

These sounds the low responsive utterings 

Prom Nature's temple to her worshippers. 

Here, thou may'st woo the spirit of Poesy, 

Here thou shalt find her, in her gentler moods. 



m 



I'vE SEEN THE BLUSH OF EVENIJVG GLOW. 

The voice said, cry. And he said, What shall I cry ? All flesh 
is graeS) and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the iicld. 



I've seen the blush of evening glow 
Upon the clouds thatsail'd above, 
And o'er the lake, that soft hue throw, 
Which lights the burning cheek of love. 

I've seen the liquid gems of night 
Lie quivering on some grassy mound, 
Exhaling forth their pearly light. 
Like sparkling jewels strewn around. 

I've seen the tendrils of the vine. 
Thickly surround some shady place. 
And o'er the bower its branches twine. 
Like wreaths a victor's brow to grace. 

I've seen — when summer showers pass'd by, 
And earth look'd green — the rainbow bend. 



30 

And widely o'er the Eastern sky, 
Its tinted, graceful arch extend. 

I've seen a maiden, with an eye 
As lustrous as the opening morn, 
And o'er her brow those colours fly, 
Which tinge pale flowers at early dawn. 

Again I look'd — ^the evening light 
On clouds of gold pour'd its last ray — 
The brown leaves rustled — Autumn's blight 
Swept by, and wither'd them away. 

And see ! that bow has vanished too — 
Through the dry grass, the rude winds rush ; 
Fond Beauty's eye of tender blue 
Is clos'd — gone is that hectic flush 1 



31 



BRXXS. 

It was the hour, when mcmoiy loves to cast 
Her vision down the vista of the past, 
And view the shrines at which the heart hath knelt, 
Recall the affection which the heart hath felt ; 
When in the twilight that is round, we find 
Resemblance to the twilight of the mind, 
That state of blissful dreaming, when each tone 
That floats about seems wild as e'er hath flown 
From Fancy's harp to soothe a poet's dream. 
When, as he sleeps, starlight pours down its stream. 

The hurrying thouglits that o'er me came, 
Were those of deeds enroll'd by Fame — 
Deeds that are worthy to be told 
In living strains like those of old, 
When the melodious lyre, that long 
Had only join'd the sylvan song. 
By Pindar's hand was boldly swept, 
And notes rung out, that long had slept. 



32 

Old Erie lay before me, and I thought 

Of days long past, when m its mirror'd depth 

The red man, only, look'd — when the canoe 

Alone had skimm'd it, and disturb'd its rest ; — 

And when the lilies floating there were never bent 

By prows, that like the noble war-horse come 

In majesty, and heave the foam aside, 

And with a martial presence hasten on. 

The canvass then had never swell'd, nor shook 

Its loose folds to the blast, nor thrown abroad 

Its shadow there — that in the twilight dim, 

Looks like a spirit of the forest, when 

He steals by moonlight o'er the breezy lake, 

His pinions rustling in the light blue air. 

The myriads of serpents then repos'd 

Without disturbance there ; beneath the sun 

They bask'd, and coiling on the clustering leaves, 

In congregated numbers lay outspread. 

Old Erie ! thou hast seen our banners stream 
Proudly above thy surface — thou hast curPd 
Beneath our prows — hast seen the light'ning gleam jj 
From War's fierce eye, when his red wing unfurl'd. 
]Broadly the spreading sails their shadows flung, 
The keels mov'd slowly— sent no rushing sound-— 



35 



MiDXriGHT. 

At midnight, when the winds are playing 

On the rejoicing summer deep, 
And through the wilderness are straying 

While Earth in calmness seems to sleep- 
Then nature wears her softest dress, 
And smiles in all her loveliness. 

O, then 'tis sweet to seek, alone, 
Some shadowy grove, or silent cave. 

And hear the breezes' plaintive moan, 
Or mark the light rebounding wave, 

Whose tones like those of chrystal swell. 

Or music from a sea-nymph's shell. 

And in this lonely, lovely hour, 
Beauty her tenderest charms reveals — 

There comes a strange, mysterious power 
That o'er the raptured spirit steals ; 

Then Fancy from her slumber wakes, 

From her deep lethargy she breaks. 

Then all that meets the eye is bright — 
She waves her wand — and round it play 



Wide coronals of magic light, 

Like foam-curls of the scattering spray : 
She treads the desert plain — beneath 
Her feet, like Eden blooms the heath. 

The gale sweeps through the bending grass, 
And there comes forth a melody, 

As when the fairy minstrels psiss 
In swiftness o'er the moonlight sky ; 

The forest boughs heave dark and free, 

Like billows on a midnight sea. 

The sky above is shining fair — 

The host of stars are looking through 

The veil that is extended there, 
And shedding down the silver dew, 

That round each flower is clustering, 

Like lustre on the glow-worm's wing — 

The blossoms of the wild-wood vine, 
Are ting'd with a soft maiden blush, 

And bend, like pilgrim at his shrine, 
To listen to the melting gush 

That issues where the fountains ring 

Their clearest notes as forth they spring. 



37 

O, come then ! ere the hour hath flown, 
The dancing breeze will cool thy brow — 

Thy heart will gladden at each tone 
That floats around thee — come then now, 

Delay no longer, and thy mind 

Shall calm delight, and quiet find. 



4* 



3§ 



'■ Oh that I had wings like a dove ! then would I fly away and b« 
at rest." 



Oh, had my lonely spirit pinions swift, 
To soar through yon ethereal space, beyond 
The reach of mortal view ! Then I would leave 
This cheerless region, and afar would seek 
That world, where sorrow never dims the eye, 
Where memory glances o'er the scenes behind, 
And sees around them rainbow hues of joy — 
Where o'er the Future, a thin veil is drawn. 
Through which mild pleasure beams, inviting on 
The spirit, to enjoy a heavenly rest. 

Familiar, wearied with the scenes of earth. 

Imagination loves to seek that land 

Whose scenes are bright with loveliness, and where 

Whatever meets the eye, is holy, fair, 

And smiling in such purity, as once 

Dwelt in the bowers of Paradise. Around, 

Rise rerdant mountains, o'er whose living greeii 



89 

Full many a rill in sparkling gladness flows. 

Above, celestial beauty sits enthron'd 

Amid bright clouds with purple brilliance ting'd, 

Or in dim twilight, other orbs look forth 

In vestal beauty from their lofty seats, 

And linger in the west, and seem to shine 

With new effulgence, as their parting ray 

They shed, then hasten on their course. 

Rich perfume breathes in every gale, and near, 

Embosom'd in the grove's luxuriance, 

The crystal mirror of the lake appears. 

Where forest, mountain, rock suspended seem. 

Beneath, the coral grows, and spreads its branch, 

Encircling round the Naiads' cool retreat. 

The floating clouds seem rich with melody, 

And music swells from unseen harps and flutes, 

Filling the soul with inspiration sweet ; 

And then it holds communion with the Source 

Of harmony and love — it whispers low 

The notes of adoration, and delights 

In his own temple, at His shrine to bend. 

There would my soul inhale the calm delight 
Which hovers round that blessed land, as soft 
As overhanging clouds at noontide hour, 
When upon Summer's bosom, Nature rests. 



m 



THE IiOVER'S SEREKADE, 

Light bounds my bark o'er the glistening billow, 

The spray in white coronals flies o'er the prow ; 
The sea-bird rests now on her watery pillow, 
And the young moon discloses her vestal brow. 
O, wake ! love, wake ! for beauty's eye 
In slumber's bondage should not lie. 
While night puts on so bright a dress, 
And nature shines in loveliness. 

The willow bends the clear streamlet to meet, 

And its fresh-perfum'd tresses carefully dips ; 
And yon pine-tops are murmuring music, sweet 
As the ardent breathing of love's dewy lips. 
Then wake ! love, wake ! for beauty's eye 
In slumber's bondage should not lie, 
While night puts on so bright a dress, 
And nature smiles in loveliness. 

O then while the dark waters gently curl 

Let thy fond lover's bosom with gladness swell; 



41 

One look — and my sail I will then unfurl, 

While shrin'd in my heart thy dear unage shall dwell. 

O, wake ! love, wake I list to my song, 

That winged echo bears along 

O wake ! the lustre of thine eyes, 

Will make the scene a paradise. 



42 



THE FAIRV -WREATH. 

FIRST FAIRY. 

Haste ! fairies, haste ! 

And bring your flowers, 

For quickly waste 

The star-light hours. 
Fairies ! what have ye brought to me 
From forest and lake, and the distant sea ? 

SECOND FAIRY. 

In yonder bending grove I stray'd, 
Where waving boughs wild music made ;— 
While o'er them play'd the sportive gale, 
They gently rose and slowly fell. 
As a maiden's bosom oft wUl swell, 
When she listens to a lover's tale. — 
There the eglantine I found. 
Its fragrance breathing all around. 

THIRD FAIRY. 

In those fair regions of the blest, 
Far, far behind yon sleeping west — 



43 

Where dewy evening oft reposes, 
On a couch bestrewn with roses, — 
Where eye of man hath never seen 
The lake's soft blue, the forest's green, 
A tall and slender stem shot up 

In nature's wild-wood bower. 
And when I touch'd its tender cup, 

The little modest flower 
Shrunk, like a form of beauteous mould, 

E'en from a fairy's hand, 
And quickly did its leaves infold, 

Within a circling band, 
But I brought it blushing, on my wing, 
With violets round it clustering. 

FOURTH FAIRY. 

Beneath a tangled orange grove. 
Through whose dark lattice could be seen 
The glistening dew on leaves of green, 

That seem'd in Fancy's eye 
Gems dropping from yon heavenly crown*^ 
And flashing in their pathway down 

From the dark, silent sky — 
I pluck'd this flower from a sprite, 

* Corona Boreal is. 



44 

Who linger'd breathing words of love, 
Delaying long his midnight flight. 

FIFTH FAIRY. 

Swifter than Autumn's breezes fly 
Over the pure unclouded sky, 
I cross'd the lightly heaving wave. 
Nor once did I my pinions lave 

In Ocean's cooling tide, 
Till I saw afar the lofty palms 
Extending out their leafy arms, 

Like streamers spreading wide. 
Then I sung a low and mellow strain. 
That woke the smooth and glassy main, 

In midnight silence hush'd ; 
And when the last notes died away, 
The rippling waves began to play, 

As if some fountain gush'd 
In foaming wreaths of dazzling white, 
To catch the sinking moon's last light. 

A nymph rose from the sea, 
Unwreathing from her glossy curls, 
This twisted string of lustrous peark, 

That I have brought to thee. 



45 

SIXTH FAIRY. 

I too have culled young flowers, to twine 

Around the fairy-woven wreath, 

More tender than the early vine, — 

Sweet as Arabia's spicy breath, 

When it fills the seaman's gladdening sail, 

And floats along — a perfum'd gale. 

SECOND FAIRY. 

Why didst thou send us to search the earth, 
For the softest flowers of latest birth ? 
Why have delicate gems been brought, 
From the Nereid's cave, and the coral grot : 

FIRST FAIRY. 

Knowest thou her whose heart is pure, 
As the lily that floats on the stream — 
Whose charms like the eye of Love allure, 
Whose thoughts are chaste as an angel's dream ? 
She of the lofty brow, will wear 
The garland we to-night prepare. 

SIXTH FAIRY. 

Ere we pursue the evening star, 
And haste to the fairy land afar — 



46 

While ye weave the wreath for the fair- 
Join with me in my eimple air. 

SONG OF THE FAIRIES. 

When round is spread the veil of night, 
And Earth lies in a dream, — 

When every planet's twinkling light 
Plays on the quiet stream — 

Then fairies wander from their home, 

And through the sky in freedom roam. 

We seek the couch where Beauty lies, 

Some airy shapes assume, 
And when her cheek, a deep blush dyes, 

Fan it with dewy plume ; — 
The fair one dreams of misty forms, 
Ideal Love her bosom warms. 

When Care lays down his weary head, 

Inviting gentle rest, 
If Sleep has from his eyelids fled, 

Till then his couch unprest, 
Our fairy spell his brow will smooth, 
To calm repose his sorrows sooth. 

If dark clouds round are hovering. 
To hide the moon's bright glance.. 



47 

The glow-worm lifts her shining- wing, 

And lights our mystic dance ; 
O'er summer's silver-sprinkled mead, 
Our sportive revels then we lead. 

A wreath for that chaste maid we twine. 
Whose pure blood smoothly glides, — 

Whose heart is as a holy shrine 
Where purity abides ; — 

Her lips are unprofan'd — her brow 

Shall wear our flowery garland now. 



48 



A FRAGMEITT. 

Methought I stood 
Upon a field where slaughter once had rode 
With reeking scimitar, and plumes that hung 
Flapping upon his helmet, drench'd with blood ;- 
And there were graves, that had been digged 
By soldiers' hands — the turf turned up in haste, 
With blades still hot from battle — and the grass 
Was thick — a heart had gushed on every root, 
And it was fed with clotted gore, until 
It lifted up its tall, rank spires of green, 
Around that place of carnage, marking out 
The spot where desolation's hand had fall'n. 
So where the ruins of some city lie, — 
Destruction's monuments — luxuriantly 
The mantling ivy spreads its leafy arms 
O'er every mouldering shaft — embracing close 
Each fluted column, as it were to hide 
The lone prostration of the beautiful. 
In that unholy place, methought I stood 
In midnight solitude — and one approach'd. 



49 

IWhose step resounded mid the tombs, as if 

The sheeted dead were troubled — and their sleep 

Disturbed and broken by the stranger's walk. 

He had a princely presence, and his glance 

Might make the boldest cheek grow pale with awe ; 

His brow was that of majesty — and yet 

An unquell'd spirit seem'd at work within — 

A mighty spirit, for that bosom heav'd. 

And there were flashes passing o'er that brow 

Like lightning o'er a marble firmament. 

He trod upon a grave — there was a sound — 

A bursting sound beneath the hollow earth, 

And he who lay there, woke — and rose ; — and yet 

No terror smote that proud one's heart — nor stay'd 

The beating of his pulses, but he gaz'd 

In calmness at the form, who beckon'd him 

Forth from that Golgotha. The spectre led. 

And they toil'd on, in paths that mortal foot 

Till then had never press'd. The cataract. 

That like the wrath of God bore down — was crossed ; 

And when the tempest in its fury came, 

They battled onward — and the strife was like 

The combat of a band of giants, when 

They fight for domination, and put forth, 

Their utmost strength, until their sinews snap, 

5* 



k 



50 

And the blood rushes like a lava stream. 

That youthful warrior followed still the track 

Of him cloth'd in unearthly robes, until 

They reach'd a mountain's base ; then in a voice 

That caus'd my flesh to quake, and the cold sweat 

To stand upon my brow, he bade him mount 

The precipice, and scale the jutting cliff. 

There was a rustling of the panoply 

Which he had on — an outstretch'd arm — and then 

Blue lightning- shot across a dome that stood 

Upon that rocky parapet — I saw 

A fiery inscription on the base 

Of that aspiring temple 

AMBITION 

* * ^ * * * 

* * -x- * * 



51 



Yon ancient castle's youthful lord. 
Has, at the Holy Virgin's shrine, 
Unsheath'd his consecrated sword, 
And bends his course for Palestine. 

And now is heard the mingled clash 
Of ringing blades, and armour bright. 
And the deep ranks of lances flash 
In the first beams of morning light. 

But why amid that plumed band 
Do they not lift his penoncelle ? 
Where is that voice of quick command, 
That Edmund's ybeinen know so well ? 

That voice ? — its tones are soften'd now, 
For Love has touch'd young Edmund's heart, 
And there he kneels with unhelm'd brow, 
To plight his faith ere he depart. 

To plight his faith to her, who well 
Might be a brave knight's chosen one, — 



52 

Whose beauty like a deep-wrought speD 
Could hold the heart that it had won. 

But see — the parting hour is past, 
Young Edmund spurs his charger on ; 
" One look sweet Agnes — 'tis the last"— 
Away the gallant youth is borne. 

Once more his banner bravely floats, 
Once more the neighing steeds rejoice, 
And freely breathes the trumpet's notes 
Like a wild mountain-spirit's voice. 

They go — they go, right merrily, 
With arms of strength, and hearts of mail, 
Light as the widely heaving sea, 
When first it feels the coming gale. 
****** 
***** 

It was an eve of revelry, 
And brightly beam'd Sir Rowland's towers,— 
And mirth wa? there and minstrelsy 
Re-echoing through the festive bowers. 

The bard pour'd out his treasur'd lore, 
And sang of love in melting lays ; 
And gaily on the rush-strewn floor 
Light feet tripp'd through the dance's maze. 



53 

But when the pageant troop came in, 
All started — for they heard the tread 
Of mail-clad steeds, and the sharp din, 
As on full gallop off they sped. 

And then a maiden's shriek of fright 
Thrill'd through them — and th' exulting shout— 
^'' Agnes is Kenelm^s bride to-night" 
Like a fierce dsemon's voice burst out. 

" Mother of God !— Red Kenelm's band !— 
" To horse each knight — what ho ! my steed — 
" To him who rescues her, her hand 
" Shall be the guerdon for the deed." 

A hundred knights sprang as he spoke, — 
A hundred firm hands grasp'd the rein: — 
Fut every saddle-girth was broke, 
And every bridle cut in twain. 

And on the bold marauders ride, 
They spare not spur — they spare not steed ; 
On — on, like victors in their pride, 
Careering at their utmost speed. 
Yet fear not, knight, that merry horn, 
Will bring thee joy, — still thy alarm — 
See ! see ! thy daughter safely borne 
Upon yon chieftain's sinewy arm. 



54 

" My bud of sweetness ! do I feel 

" My daughter's fond embrace once more f 

« O Holy Mary ! here I kneel, 

" To bless thee for thy saving power." 

" But who art thou, whose powerful blade 
" Hath seal'd in I^enelm's blood to night 
" The sacred promise that we made, 
" And won thee this young maid of light?" 

The warrior, as the old Knight spake, 
Lifted the steel casque from his brow : — 
" Wake Agnes ! from thy trance, awake, 
" Jt is thy Edmund calls thee note /" 



55 



TO ISHXZiK-XA, 

Demipho. I've been to school to learn the alphabet. 
I know four letters. 
Lysinachus. What are they l 
Dem. LOVE. Plautus. 

When at Love's altar first I knelt, 
The voice that lur'd me there was thine. 

My heart was like a quiet lake, 
That lies conceal'd by rock and wood, 

And love had never dar'd to break 
Upon its peaceful solitude. 

In calm unbroken rest it lay, 
Unmov'd as the old ocean's deep, 

Before the winds had learn'd to play 
Their new-fledg'd wings to wake its sleep. 

But when thy thrilling voice was heard, 
My conscious heart leap'd at the tone, 

As oft Bethesda's fountain stirr'd, 

When angels o'er its waves had flown. 

Then turn those eyes again on me, — 
Brighter were ne'er to mortal giv'n ; 

Turn — and their rays shall ever be 
The star-light of my earthly heaven. 



56 



BATTIiE SOX7G. 

The war-horn breathes its loudest note, 
Each glittering lance is in the rest, — 

Proudly the towering banners float, 
And deeply heaves each warrior's breast. 

Now like the tempest in its wrath, 
Or like the thund'ring cataract's flood, 

On, on they rush — and track their path 
With many a gallant heart's warm blood. 

But who is he yon bleeding Knight, 
Who lies unhelm'd amid the strife, 

StUl urging on the deadly fight. 

With the last breath of parting life ? 

'Tis Rodolph — see ! — his mailed hand 
Grasps the foe's banner, stain'd and torn. 

While, as he waves his crimson'd brand, 
His war-cry on the breeze is borne. 

" On — on ye knights your squadrons lead, 
" On to the conflict of the brave, — 

■' Make ye the victor's wreath your meed, 
" Or the red battle-field your grave." 



57 



FRAGMENT. 

******* 
******* 

Again the minstrel struck his lyre 

And his hurried hand and eye of fire, 

Were enough without his voice to tell 

That the chords were not strung with a lover's spell. 

The tones in the vaulted arch rung round 

Like a battle-trumpet's piercing sound, 

When the routed foemen retiring, yield 

To a chivalric victor the hard fought field, 

And hark ! at that crash from the quivering strings, 

From the festive board each listener springs. 

As though — bursting forth in his fierceness and 

wrath, 

The tempest went by, leaving death in his path. 
****** 

He ceas'd — but each chieftain's stedfast eye, 

Was proof of the powerful minstrelsy — 

For the Knights at the proud bard silently gaz'd. 

As if by some magic art amaz'd, 
6 



58 

Till the charm dissolv'd, as a sigh, long suppress'd 
Was deeply heav'd from each gallant breast. 

But when the goblet had pass'd around, 
Its brim with a sparkling diadem crown'd, 
And each grosser feeling was melting away, 
Like the dull grey hues at the coming of day, — 
Then a delicate prelude was touch'd on the lyre. 
As if some young fairy had leap'd on the wire, 
And pass'd quickly away with fluttering wing, 
And a footstep lighter than that of Spring 
When she bids the violet buds awake. 
And away from their snowy fetters break. 

The notes were hush'd and this was the song 
That was borne on, the passing breeze along. 

I. 

O lady — when the foe is near 

With marshal'd ranks in proud display, 
And War comes on with hot career, 

Clad in his terrible array ; — 
When we sound out our first alarm. 

And gird us in our panoply, — 
To fire my soul, and nerve my arm. 

I only ask, one look from thee. 



59 

II. 

When the dark fight is life for life, 

And the sharp gleam of shiver'd glaives 
Plays fiercely in the battle strife, 

Like lightning o'er storm-smitten v^aves ; 
When gallant Knights around me bleed, 

And fall in combat gloriously — 
To cheer me in that hour of need 

I only ask, one prayer for me. 

III. 

And when at length the setting sun 

Sees the exhausted foemen yield, — 
When trumps proclaim the victory won, 

And their rent banners sweep the field : — 
When hosts come out our band to meet, 

With shouts, and pomp, and minstrelsy, — 
I'll bring my spoils, and at thy feet 

Will only ask, one smile for me. 



68 



DREAMS. 

Mild evening was upon her star-gemm'd throne, 

And scatter'd her refreshing dews around 

Upon the earth — diffusing a new Hfe, 

To the wide fields, and to the lifted brow 

Of many a flower-crown'd eminence, that 'neath 

The brilliant heaven had thirsted all the day. 

The green luxuriance of spring, sparkled 

As if the image of the hosts above 

Were seen reflected in the tall, damp grass — 

And when its spires were bending to the breeze, 

There was a beautiful commotion there, 

A stirring of that intermingled light, 

As twere the tripping of the sandall'd feet 

Of fairies, leading on the quiet mead 

Their mystic revellings. 

Musing, I look'd 
At the far distant landscape, tinted round 
With that soft lustre which arrays the dreams 
A youthful poet loves to dwell upon, 



61 

And at the glorious canopy abov'e, 
Spread by the hand of God. Remembrances 
Of former days began to gather fast, 
As, when pale twilight melts away, the stars 
Look out, and one by one leap gladly forth, 
Until the silent sky is all alive 

With twinkling rays. Still memory wav'd her wand^ 
Disclosing every moment, treasur'd stores, 
Till a dim, strange confusion spread around, 
Like morning mist, that hovers o'er a lake, 
And sleep infus'd her opiate to each sense, 
O, then what visions pass'd before my mind ! 
They came like midnight spirits from the tomb, 
Who in sepulchral garments, walk abroad, 
Holding communion with the living, till 
The breath of morning softly blows aside 
The drapery of night. And then, metliought 
There was a shaking of the hollow earth. 
And a deep rattling sound, such as came forth 
From the lone valley, when the prophet call'd 
The winds of heaven to breathe the breath of life, 
And animate the slumbering forms, that stood 
In dread array before him. 
6* 



6^ 

Then a band 
Went by with noiseless tread — among them, one 
Lifted a deep-stain'd banner : the device, 
A mailed Knight, grasping a broken blade, 
His steel-clad breast, pierc'd with a sheeny lance, 
And round the point his heart's blood bubbling out 
Like an o'erflowing fount of crimson wine ; 
His pale and quivering lips, faltering the words 
I rest on Glory^s couch, the battle field. 

Another host approach'd closely enwrapt 

In the habiliments that clothe the dead : — 

Each figure seem'd a shadow passing by. 

And nought but a dim outline could be seen 

Faint as the artist's hurried penciling 

When the imagination is at work. 

And then there was a breathing, like the sound 

That issues from a forest when the wind 

With steady, solemn murmuring is there — 

These were the accents that my fancy caught : 

The ruby lip of Beauty hath been press' d 

By other than a lover's kiss — her cheek — 

Corruption's foulest stain hath tarnish' d ity 

And e'en those brilliant orbs, whose fire beam'd out 

Beneath the delicate fringes of her eye 



63 

Like diamond lustre from a curtained shrine. 
lAe rayless in the grave, 

I look'd again 
With wondering, for standing there I saw 
A group in divers attitudes, and yet 
All waiting, as if at the Sybil's cave 
To catch the inspiration — and at first 
I thought them lunatics, but presently 
I knew the face of one, whose eye 
Shifted about with an impatient glance. 
As if he saw strange phantoms in the air, 
Invisible to any save himself. 
He murmur'd ever and anon, a melody 
That flow'd like honey from his lips. And then 
He call'd the spirits of the ocean up, 
And they obey'd his bidding — coming forth 
To tell him of the caverns that lie hid 
In the deep sea, among the " coral groves," 
Where none but Nereids ever go, to pluck 
The " crimson dulse." He call'd again : straitway. 
The spirits of fresh budding beauty came. 
Light spirits of the air — and of the dells. 
One of them, sang a strain of a sweet vale, 
Where he had lain, listening to hear the stream 



64 

Go murmuring on, bathing the roots of flowers, 
And making music in their fine-spun threads. 
A tale of a fair maid another told ; 
How he had watch'd the issuing of a light 
In fitful streams from her pure eyes, and how 
Her form grew more ethereal, and her cheek 
More delicate ; how through its snowy white 
The crimson flush came melting, as the hour 
Approach'd, when her mild spirit would away 
To seek a resting place, more meet than earth 
For one so sweet. 

A little further on 
There was a goodly grove, and one sat there 
With brow uncover'd, and his bosom bared, 
Enjoying the cool breeze that was among 
" The green and stirring branches." As he look'd 
Upon the scene around him — at the rocks 
O'ergrown with moss — the old uprooted tree 
Stretch'd o'er the brook, and at the rivulet 
Leaping in gladness down the steep — his soul 
Seem'd full of thankfulness to Him who made 
Such quiet haunts for man. Nature, methought, 
Had taught him her own mellow murmurings, 
And in her language, he spake of the groves. 



65 

God's earliest temples, — of the worshippers 
That in them first bow'd down in prayer, and buiii 
Their rustic altars, and upon them heap'd 
The first fruits of the earth — and the first-born 
Of all their flocks. While yet I linger'd near, 
Turning attentive ear to all his words — 
I heard a shout of triumph. 

Looking- round 
I saw a figure on a craggy clifi", 
Where the keen eagle oft had built her nest. 
The tempest of the North with his dark wings, 
Was hurtling o'er the rocks and from his eyes 
Shooting fierce light — yet this strange mortal stood 
And gaz'd about him calmly, while his hair 
Was streaming loosely in the wind. And when 
The thunder burst, he seiz'd a harp that lay 
Beside him, and he strove to catch the tones, 
And ring them on the chords — at length the strings 
Broke, as he swept them, with a fearful crash, 
/iioud as if stricken by a lightning bolt. 
He lifted then a trumpet, and he blew 
The thrilling blast that he had sometime heard, 
When, 'mid the ever-rushing cataract's roar, 
The bugle-note proclaim'd the near approach 



66 

Of banner'd armies, follow'd in their course 

By fire-eyed battle coming hotly on, 

Hasting to quench his vampyre thirst in blood, 

And with deep draughts to cool his burning throat 

But when his wild delirium had pass'd, 

And the tumultuous throbbing of his veins 

Was still, he went and sat him quietly 

Under a leafy canopy, grown up 

Untrimm'd by man ; — beneath it, there were flow'rs 

That blossom'd wildly, wheresoe'er young Spring 

Had trod with naked feet. And then he told 

How all his pulses once beat high with love, — 

And of the holy transport he was in, 

When first he touch'd his lips to the soft lids 

Of opening Beauty ; — when he first had felt 

Her warm breath on his cheek, before his heart 

Had ceas'd to put forth the fresh buds of Hope, — 

Before it had been crush'd, as with the hand 

Of a young giant newly risen in strength. 

I wander'd on, methought, until I came 
To one who stood alone, in pensive mood, 
As if he mus'd on happier days, gone by ;— • 
When Pleasure yet had only look'd on him 
With laughing eyes, and led him gaily on, 



67 

In sunny paths, and lur'd him with her strains 

Of more than Syren sweetness; — ere he yet 

Had clasp'd her eagerly to his warm bosom, 

And shrunk from her cold touch, chill'd to the heart. 

His pallid cheek, and sunken eye bespoke 

A vital withering — and a drying up 

Of life's deep fountain, drop by drop. He strove 

To cheer his sicken'd spirit with day-dreams 

Of the " celestial maid Romance," yet still, 

Amid his tales of Knights with gleaming spears, 

And golden armour, — or of dancing sprites 

Studding their light-wov'n coronals, with gems 

" Stole from the eye-lids of the waking morn," 

There was full oft a melancholy tinge, 

Like shadows passing o'er a moon-lit brook. 

The next that met my view, was one whose face 
Beam'd brightly with the winning smiles of joy. 
He, with uplifted finger, and his head 
Bent downward to the ground, seem'd listening 
For some sweet warblings coming from the Earth, 
Soft as the music of his Fanny* s lips. 
His eyes were full of frolic and peer'd out 
Upon the groups around him with a glance 
<^\iick as the nymph ^glea's, when she join'd 



68 

The laugh at old Silenus, as he lay 

Bound closely in the thicket, where, with wine 

And feasting heated, he had sought for sleep. 

Again I turn'd for floating in the air, 

Were tones, rich in their fulness, and their depth ;- 

And he who utter'd them, swept then his lyre, — 

The sleeping spirit of the golden strings, 

Obedient to the touch awoke, and pour'd 

The stream of hallow'd inspiration round. 

My heart was like an altar when the flame 

Devotion's hand has kindled, warmly glows. 

Rapture stole o'er my mind, — I thought myself 

X^ear " the green hills and vales of Palestine." 

I saw the shepherds, keeping star-light watch, 

I heard the chorus of the angel song 

Peace — peace on earth ; good will to all mankind. 

The theme was chang'd, and like a seraph's voicCj 

The hymn of Jesus rose ; the melting strains 

Hover'd awhile upon the balmy gale, 

As though to take, like him, farewell of earth, 

And then ascended to their home, the skies. 

I found another, in a hidden place, 

Conning an ancient scroll where was transcribed, 

A legend full of strange sublimity, 



69 

And secret mysteries, such as awake 
Feelings of v/onder and of awe. The tale 
Was of a fallen spirit, who had lost 
That splendour of the Cherubim, 
Which mortal eyes could never yet endure, 
But still retain'd cherubic power. He saw 
One of the beautiful daughters of the earth, 
And burn'd for her with all a demon's passion- 
Intense, because his heart sought God no more 
And he lov'd her alone, — but base, because 
The intercourse of evil ones had giv'n 
A shade of darkness to his soul. He strove 
With vehemence to win her from her God, 
From happiness and heaven, until at lengtlt 
He had compassion, — interpos'd his arm. 
And scourg'd the rebel to his prison gates. 

This group seem'd numberless, — and some there were 
Who ravM most loudly, and they swore that they 
Would heave the earth from her old resting place, 
Scoop oceans up — stop each volcano's mouth, 
And sink the mountains in some horrid cave. 
If she would give one smile for all their pains. 
Others were forming projects how to twist 
The moon-beams into necklaces, to deck 

7 

I 



70 

Some fair one— or to rob the comet's train 
To twine mid her dark hair— ox cull the stai'& 
For spangles to her girdle— or to bring 
The breezes of Arabia, to perfume 
Her bower ; — and one had made a vow 
To mount astride the billows, when the storm 
Was heaving them to heaven, and tear away 
The broad, blue curtain of the sky, because 
Its colour rivall'd his fair Delia's eye. 
And when at length a flashing crown was hung 
Far in the distance, every eye was turn'd, 
And firm intent to win it, seem'd t' impress 
Each mind. But a low breathing in the air, 
Unheard by them, came o'er my list'ning ear : 
Ye seek the wreath of Fame :—toil on— toil on ; 
When ye are low, perhaps they'll bring its flowers, 
.find strew them carelessly upon your graves. 



71 



PERSZAIT sozras. 

THE MAIDEN TO HER LOVER. 

Before the winning breeze could steal 

Morn's sprinkled pearl-drops from this rose, 

I cull'd it, that it might reveal 
The tale my lips dare not disclose. 

Its leaves of virgin tenderness, 
Where I have press'd a kiss for thee, — 

Its blush of maiden bashfulness, — 
Both tell of love and secrecy. 

For they have bound my flowing curls, 
And told me, that ere eve's mild hour, 

They'll deck me with their gems and pearls, 
To shine the queen of Iran's bower. 

But I will toil and tempest brave. 

And roam the desert at thy side, 
And kiss thy feet, and live thy slave, 

Jiather than be proud Iran's bride. 



72 

THE lover's reply. 

Thou bright one ! — ^let thy lover calm 
The breast that heaves such throbbing sighs. 

And still those quivering lips, vvrhose balm 
Is like the breath of Paradise. 

For, by thy token-flower, that brought 

The seal thy crimson lips impress'd, — 
By these tliin leaves, vi^ith sweetness fraught, 
Like shrines where spikenard-blossoms rest ;-■ ■ 

By thy pure eyes, whose diamond glow 
Steals through their lashes timidly ; 

By thy dark locks, that loosely flow, 
In glossy curls, luxuriantly ; — 

And by that bosom's snowy light, 

Which 'neath the veil swells half-conceal'd,— - 
As oft through clouds of fleecy white 

A heaven of beauty is reveal'd ; — 

By these, and by my blade, I swear, 
That little blue-vein'd foot of thine 

Shall never tread the soft couch, where 
The silken tents of Iran shine. 

But thou thy Kosru's bride shalt be. 

And seek, with him, rich Cashmir's vale ; 



73 

There, thou shalt wander, wild and free 
As the young fawn, o'er hill and dale. 

There, like the notes of Eden's bowers,* 
Thy strains shall listless Time beguile ; 

There I will gaily pass the hours, 
In the clear sunshine of thy smile. 



*Mahoraet in speaking of tlie sweetness of the Persian dialect nseo 
in his day, said that it would bs the language of Paradise, 



TV. 



74 



jsFOxriirii.. 



^ 



Epoiiina was the wife of Julius Sabinus, a brave and ambitious 
prince oftho Lingones. For the purpose of throwing off the Roman 
yoke, he excited a rebellion among his countrymen, and at the liead 
of a numerous, but undisciplined army, commenced hostilities against 
the forces of Vespasian. The emperor was victorious, and Sabinus 
was compelled lor the last nine years of his life, to conceal himself in 
subterraneous caverns. Here, supported by the exertions, and tender 
affections of his wife, he dwelt unmolested, until accidentally discov- 
ered by the soldiers of Vespasian; when he was carried, in chains, to 
Rome, where both he and Eponina, after a short confinement, were 
put to death. Tacitus, in his Annals, mentions the name of this 
heroic woman, with a promise to give in its proper place, a full ac- 
count of her conjugal fidelity ; but that part of the history, in which 
he probably fulfilled his promise, has not descended to us. Here, 
however, by a fortunate and singular circumstance, the vacancy in 
the Annals is, in a degree, supplied by a disjointed fragment of Plu- 
tarch. From a passage in which Eponina is casually mentioned, we 
are enabled to glean some of the most interesting circumstances of 
her life. 

Plutarch says, that Vespasian, in ordering the execution of Sabinus 
and his wife, so far departed from the principles of justice, clemency 
and magnanimity which had previously guided his actions, as to call 
down the heaviest vengeance of the gods — alluding to the death of 
the monarch, and the total extirpation of his family, both of which 
took place very shortly afier he pronounced sentence on Sabinus and 
Eponina. 

With blushes like a newly-waken'd bride, 
Morn Cometh on with smiles. A mellow glow 
Tinges each sculptur'd arch, each tower, and dome, 
And marWe-pUlar'd temple— and the pride, 



75 

The stateliness of Rome is lighted up, 
As if her guardian deities were there, 
Shedding the splendour of their presence round. 

And there sits one, who, with an eye intent. 

Has sat for hours beside that dungeon-grate, 

To watch the breaking in the east, and mark 

How the cold pencillings of morn grow red, 

And melt into the kindling warmth that comes 

To usher in the rising sun. She sits. 

Resting her faded cheek upon a hand 

Like veiny marble, delicately carv'd. 

Her parted hair, black as the raven's wing, 

Falls o'er a queen-like brow of paleness — where, 

As in a statue that we look upon, 

Impair'd by Time — perchance by Violence — 

Relics of what it has been still remain, 

Enough to show how beautiful it was. 

The pride — so deeply settled, and so like 

The Roman matron's in her loftiness, — 

The pride that bends not in adversity. 

Still looks out from that speaking eye, — still curls 

Her thin and bloodless lip. And yet it yields 

When kindlier impulses exert their power ; 

Dissolves; when o'er her comes the thrilling thought. 



7t) 

Of those, who in their years of tenderness, 

Will soon be fatherless — yea, motherless. 

She turns to gaze upon a sight, that well 

Might melt the spirit of the unsubdued : — 

A husband, and two bright-hair'd boys lie there, 

Sleeping upon that damp and stony couch, 

In all the quiet of their innocence. 

A tear — a single tear starts 'neath those lids. 

As if it were a solitary drop, 

Gushing from out a fountain long dried up. 

She dasljes it away, and in its place 

There beams the light of kindling joy. Perhaps, 

While looking at those intertwining arms. 

She fondly thinks that the bright day may come^ 

When with the well-knit, sinewy strength of them 

Who rise beneath Oppression's crushing foot, — 

Those hands, so powerless now, will bravely wield 

The avenging falchion, that those lisping tongues— 

Which in their slumber now, are murmuring soft 

The words of tenderness, will proudly ask — 

Aye — at the tyrant's very throne, demand 

That blood shall flow /or blood. 

« * « « 

The hour at length has come ; the tyrant waits 
To see that lion-hearted one, who dared 



77 

To sound the stirring call of Liberty, 

And lift his hand to battle in her cause. 

He comes — and with him, she who kindled first 

The flame of Patriotism in his breast. 

Backward the crowd of pamper'd nobles press, 

As if they feared those giant arms would burst 

Their brazen fetters — or that her dark eye 

Would launch its lightnings at them. There they 

stand. 

With more than mortal dignity. No taunt 

Is heard in all that multitude — no sneer 

At fruitless efforts — no one dares to break 

Upon the awful silence, while those two, 

Look round them with such fearlessness. E'en he, 

Who sits amid his guards upon the throne, 

Folds close his purple robe, and firmly grasps 

The dagger in his bosom hid. At length 

He nods. The hesitating guards conduct. 

The warrior out. 

-X * * * * 

One solitary note 
Comes from the trumpet's throat, and tells of death ; — 
And at its piercing sound, the assembled host. 
Breathe louder, and more freely, as if then 
Some heavy weight that had press'd down their hearts 



78 

Were suddenly remov'd. It rouses too 
The dreaming monarch from his fearful trance — 
He finds his speech—" Woman !" he loudly cries, 
" What can'st thou say, why thou too should'st not 

know — 
The terror of thy traitor husband's death ?" 
She turns and speaks with calmness — but the fire 
Sleeps only for a moment in her eye, 
And every breath enkindles it anew, 
" Death has no terror now for me," she says, 
" Like slumber after toil and weariness. 
On the same pillow with my bosom's lord, 
'Twill seem to me. I do not fear death's coming, 
For in earth's caverns I have dwelt for years, 
Where sun, nor moon, nor star e'er shed a ray, — 
Where Death was ever walking, and e'en there 
Have known that happiness which never comes 
To still the throbbings of a tyrant's heart. 
Then bid thy minions strike ! and thou shalt see 
More than a Roman's firmness. Thou may'st bind 
These wasted limbs ; pluck out these eyes whose 

glance 
Thou dar'st not meet, and root out from my throat 
The tongue that terrifies thy coward soul : 
But thou can'st not controul the spirit, 



79 

Even though it he a woman's. Lead me on ! 

Boldly I'll lay me on the block, and leave 

The scenes that rise around, — for though they grow 

Brighter and fairer, and more beautiful, 

While I gaze on them for the last, last time. 

Yet by thy looking on them, they are all 

Polluted in my sight ; and I will tread 

The path that leads to death, and tread it gladly, 

Proud in the thought that there thou hast not been. 

My boys ! one kiss — ye will not hear again 

The accents of a mother's tongue, that oft 

Has breath'd the words of tenderness and love — 

What ! do ye weep at this ? — Do ye forget 

The race from whence ye sprung ? — The hour will 

come. 
When ye must see that tears of blood are shed 
To wet thy father's and thy mother's grave ! 

Go ! and the Gods be with ye ! — Now lead on !" 

* * * * 

The axe has fallen ! 



COZTTEITTS, 

PAGE . 

The Harvest Festival, .... 1 

A Sketch, 20 

I love sometimes to tune my simple lute, . 23 

I've seen the blush of evening glow, . . 29 

Erie, 31 

Song, 34 

Midnight, 35 

Wanderings, 38 

The Lover's Serenade, .... 40 

The Fairy Wreath, 42 

Fragment, 48 

Ballad, 51 

To Ismenia, 55 

Battle Song, 56 

Fragment, 57 

Dreams, 60 

Persian Songs, 71 

Eponina, .• . 74 



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